grifter
6 synonyms for grifter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A con artist who makes a living by scamming or manipulating people.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use grifter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a total grifter
expose a grifter
grifter energy
Common as an insult in political and online commentary, often exaggerated for effect.
Etymology
From grift plus the agent suffix "-er," originally circus and carnival slang for a con man before spreading into everyday use; first recorded around 1906.
Full origin of grifter →Frequently asked questions
What does “grifter” mean?
The word “grifter” means a con artist who makes a living by scamming or manipulating people. In plain terms, someone who scams or manipulates others for money or advantage, rather than earning it honestly.
How do you pronounce “grifter”?
“Grifter” is pronounced GRIHF-tuh (/ˈɡɹɪftɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “grifter” in a sentence?
Here is “grifter” used in a sentence: “The documentary followed a grifter who conned dozens of retirees out of their savings.”
What part of speech is “grifter”?
“Grifter” is a noun.
Where does the word “grifter” come from?
The word “grifter” dates back to around 1906. From grift plus the agent suffix "-er," originally circus and carnival slang for a con man before spreading into everyday use; first recorded around 1906.
How many meanings does “grifter” have?
“Grifter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a con artist who makes a living by scamming or manipulating people.
